Sumiko Blue Point No. 3 MC Cartridge (0.5mV, Low Output)

Next-Gen Moving Coil Phono Pickup

Far be it for Sumiko to modify a design that's proven so practical and pleasing to such a wide variety of listeners, but as Sumiko has pushed forward in recent years with their exploration of resonance optimization, it was a matter of time before the classic Blue Point No. 2 was re-evaluated. Blue Point No. 2 - among the world's first high-output MC cartridges - across decades has become something of a staple among listeners looking for a taste of moving coil sonics without the added expense of MC pre-amplification. Sumiko has long loved this cartridge and it will remain dear to them among their heritage lineup, but indeed they've got another 'Point' to make...

Along with the release of Sumiko's Reference Celebration 40, they bring you Blue Point No. 3 - another nod to their 40 years of cartridge development in the pursuit to enrich your listening experience. Sumiko has taken a close look and listen at the resonance properties of Blue Point No. 2 and have recognized room for refinement. Resonance having a more significant impact than many listeners may realize, Sumiko sought to reimagine how the housing resonates around the generator... and they feel they've struck gold.

The sonic presentation of Blue Point No. 3 harkens back to vintage Shure and Stanton MMs remembered for their smoothness. With Sumiko's tried and true MC generator system, that smoothness is enhanced with the subtlety and nuance you'd expect from a Sumiko MC. First and foremost - and if ever the word were appropriate - Blue Point No. 3 assembles its sonic picture from the ground up with its oh-so buttery low-end response. Bass enthusiasts are in for a treat here. Full and warm yet defined and textured, the coziness of the bass will invite you right in. It doesn't stop there, however. You can expect the similar lushness through the mids that remain decipherable,  high-frequency attack and decay that's simply sweet and airy.

Having developed such a refinement on a classic design, introducing a low-output variant was a no-brainer. As strongly as Sumiko stand's behind Blue Point No. 3 High, Blue Point No. 3 Low is a game changer. Owners of MC phonostages can experience the same listenability mentioned above, but with the depth and imaging typical of a low-output design, then some. As with its predecessors,  Blue Point No. 3 remains a high-value performer that's easy on your pocket book, and with the introduction of Blue Point No. 3 Low, there's a Blue Point for everyone!

With improved resonance control based on a new and definitely more attractive body compared to the Blue Point 2 (plus the addition of threaded inserts that make installation far easier), the Blue Point 3 sounds far more refined, smooth and sweet compared to its somewhat more 'rough around the edge' predecessor... This is a far superior cartridge for not much more money... a big step forward from the Blue Point 2, which itself was very good.